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That is ancient wisdom. It goes back to biblical principles, and was reiterated by eighteenth century French philosopher Voltaire. Yet, it remains instructive today. Witness Uncle Ben giving sage advice in the Spiderman saga. Those who are given great power by society bear great responsibility for their actions. Speaking of great power. Consider law enforcement officers.
If you detain someone against their will, it is a crime. Same with assaulting someone. Discharge a firearm within the city limits? Crime. Wound someone with a firearm? Commit homicide with one? Both crimes. Only select individuals are given the discretionary power to commit these acts without it rising to criminality. Law enforcement officers.
It is great, awesome power. And with it comes great responsibility. These individuals receive hours of intense and ongoing training. Their actions are constrained by internal policy and constitutional requirements. Their decisions are constantly scrutinized against these requirements. They are charged with protection of and service to the community. Great and awesome responsibility.
We the people
It appears Toledo City Council grasps that responsibility for federal agents as well. They recently passed a non binding resolution in an attempt to rein in federal Immigration and Customs Enforcement officers operating in the city, by recommending both policy and constitutional requirements similar to those expected of the Toledo Police Department.
Like requiring judicial warrants before entering folks’ homes. Fourth Amendment much? And no masks. And badges and names on uniforms. Normal law enforcement officer stuff.
This seems to make common sense. Exercise great power in T-Town, expect great responsibility to our city and our community. Next, let’s give similar scrutiny to the internal workings of TPD itself.
Police thyself
We’ve recently seen a spike of odd behavior in TPD. Take the saga of the WalMart shoplifter, Gregory Long Jr. Convicted of twice skating through self checkout for a total theft of about thirty bucks worth of merchandise. Fired by TPD. Seems we don’t want to give great power to enforce laws to folks who break them. Emphasis on “seems”.
Enter Officer Spencer Hastedt, who blew a point oh four six blood alcohol content on a breathalyzer while on duty. He claimed it was because he had mint nicotine pouches in his mouth at the time. Except it was alcohol, not minty freshness, that was detected.
He also claimed he hadn’t had a drink in fourteen or fifteen hours, meaning the previous night. By our calculations, that means he was likely at around point two one BAC or more at the time. Meaning drunk. Hopefully he didn’t drive.
Was Hastedt fired? Nah, just suspended. Did we mention he’s a field training officer?
We won’t belabor the point with the story of Kevin Nabors, who was recently promoted to lieutenant despite previous suspension for misconduct.
Three folks we gave great power. Each shirked great responsibility. One fired, one suspended, one promoted.
Make it make sense.
